The National Marine Manufacturers Association have cancelled the Progressive Insurance Norwalk Boat Show slated to be held Sept. 24-27. “With Covid-19 cases increasing around the country, widespread reports of inventory supply issues and Connecticut’s travel restrictions impacting residents from more than 30 states, we believe this is the most prudent course of action for all our stakeholders,” said NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer in a statement. As for other upcoming events, Hugelmeyer said the organization is taking action, allying with officials at the local, state and federal level in an attempt to hold future shows.
Surging boat sales and an increasing number of new boaters on the water during the peak summer months means the potential for on-the-water insurance claims is at an apex. Travelers has shown that to be the case; the insurer says that the first half of 2020 reflects a 6-year high in reported boating claims, up 20 percent from the same time period last year. The leading cause? Collisions — including groundings and hitting submerged objects — are responsible for 41 percent of claims to date, Travelers said in a statement that offered a list of tips to ensure smooth sailing.
Boat Outfitters has joined the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas as a partner member. The company, with headquarters in Ocoee, Fla., are custom fabricators for OEM fabrications, hardware, accessories and more under its parent company, Teak Isle Mfg. “Partnering with the MRAA provides expertise and business solutions to enhance our operations as well as allowing us the opportunity to educate members on how we can help them better serve their customers…,” said Boat Outfitters managing director Andrew Brown in a statement. “We look forward to this beneficial relationship.”
B.A.S.S. has adjusted its tournament schedule once again due to Covid-19 — this time moving the August High School and Junior tournaments from Michigan to South Carolina. The Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School and Junior series, both originally slated for Aug. 8, will now be held on Lake Hartwell on Aug. 30 due to Michigan’s 100-person limit on outdoor gatherings. “It is disappointing anytime you have to move a tournament, especially from a fantastic and scenic smallmouth fishery like Lake St. Clair,” said high school series manager Hank Weldon in a statement. However, organizers say they will heed all state mandates for safety.
